Govt mulls framing national quality policy

The government is planning to formulate a national quality policy to ensure the local manufacturing of products at global standards, which will pave the way for Bangladesh to increase exports, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun said yesterday.

He said internationally accredited and reliable national accreditation infrastructure was crucial for strengthening the export of local products and services. So, the government had established a quality accreditation infrastructure ecosystem.

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"As a part of it, the efficiency of the Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) has been improved a lot and it is now well-equipped to provide the necessary accreditation. The government is also considering formulating a national quality policy," he said.

"As a part of it, the efficiency of the Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) has been improved a lot and it is now well-equipped to provide the necessary accreditation"

"Testing labs should be well-equipped with modern technologies so that accreditation is accepted in the world market."

The minister spoke at a seminar at the auditorium of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) jointly organised by the BAB and the chamber on the occasion of World Accreditation Day 2022.

The main theme of this year's Accreditation Day is "Accreditation: Sustainability in Economic Growth and the Environment", according to a press release of the DCCI.

Kamal Ahmed Mojumder, state minister for industries, said accreditation is important for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals.

"But for that, we need to enhance our technological advancement and reliability. The BAB is now an efficient institution but it should be strengthened further."

Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana emphasised adequate accreditation infrastructure for the sake of export competitiveness.

"Quality accreditation helps us internationally enhance export."

She said due to unplanned industrialisation worldwide and massive economic activities, there is a negative impact on climate and Bangladesh is no exception.

"Under such circumstances, if we are able to comply with the accreditation process for both goods and services, it will help us ensure a better liveable world for the next generation."

"If we can ensure accreditation for our local products, it will expedite export earnings as well as reduce cost and time."

According to Rizwan Rahman, president of the DCCI, quality certificates issued by local labs for export items such as leather, jute and jute goods, plastic, and frozen food should be endorsed by the BAB so that these certifications are accepted by the global authority.

He called for implementing advanced learning in the industrial sector and emphasised strong collaboration with international accreditation and quality assurance agencies to enhance business competitiveness.